Source: www.en-hrana.org
According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, despite family frequent inquiry, judicial officials at Evin Courthouse have not yet provided any clear information about the reason for the arrest or her whereabouts, which is raising concern about her condition.
Since her arrest, she has been only allowed to make a few short calls to her family.
Regarding the prosecution and harassment of Baha’i people by Iran’s regime, HRA Senior Advocacy Coordinator Skylar Thompson stated that HRA strongly condemned these discriminatory acts against religious minorities in Iran. She asked that the regime take action to ensure Iranian people, and particularly Baha’i citizens, are entitled to the freedom of religion and can perform religious acts freely.
According to unofficial sources, it is estimated that more than 300,000 Baha’is live in Iran, but the Iranian constitution recognizes only Islam, Christianity, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism. Because their faith is not considered legitimate by authorities, the rights of Baha’is in Iran have been systematically violated for years.
The deprivation of the freedom to practice their religion is a breach of Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The United Nations covenant holds that every person has the right to freedom of religion, freedom of converting religion, as well as freedom of expression, individually or collectively; openly or secretly.
February 19, 2022 2:47 am
What an astonishing place Iran must be in these times when a pure hearted, honorable citizen with not an unkind word to say about anyone is hustled off to prison. And still the officials are pondering what charges to lodge. Here is the appearance of a judicial apparatus, the machinery to adjudicate and render judgements, and yet there is somehow a way that Saba Sefidi can respectfully enter Branch 2 of Evin Courthouse and disappear from the world for over a month. Knowing she might not return, this Baha’i lady bravely puts her trust in the will of God, answers the summons to Evin Courthouse and vanishes into the machinery of the regime. Is any judge so full of faith? Is any member of the Security Services so strong in his belief that he would willingly put aside self-preservation and in willing submission to God’s will set forth to stand before the court, knowing the outcome in advance? Joseph in his prison cell placed his trust in God, and so has Saba Sefidi. The beloved of God have always placed their trust in God. But the Court of Evin seeks to frighten, to intimidate and with all the power they possess they attempt to force Baha’is to renounce their religion despite the explicit text that says there shall be no compulsion in the matter of religion. May we all be so beloved as Saba Sefidi, submit to the will of God as we pray for her safety and her speedy return.